Rethinking your home in the new year 

The beginning of a new year always brings hope and optimism to me. I like the feeling of starting with a refreshed slate of goals and objectives. I also like to clean out my closets and assess what I want to keep going forward and what I”™d like to get rid of. Once that is all cleared up, I can decide what I need to fill in the gaps. Then come the lists. I am a list maker. Lists help me organize my thoughts, and I can quickly keep up with what needs to be addressed.  

This clearing of the mind not only embraces clothes but household objects as well. As a habit, I tend to let things get a little cluttered over the year as I”™d much rather run out for work or play and need to clear out both my home closets and office. My office in particular can often become cluttered with samples of fabrics and rugs, trims, tiles and the like. Once a project”™s components are decided on, the other samples can be returned to their specific vendors. This keeps our office space a little less chaotic during the year, but we still seem to accumulate a lot of samples.  

Once this cleaning out ritual takes place, I feel calmer and ready to tackle the new year and all of the exciting things that are ushered in with it. Over the years of working with clients, one of the first things we address is how do they like to live?  Do they like their spaces spare with everything concealed and minimal objects displayed? If that is the case, we try to incorporate furniture pieces that can store items.  Other clients prefer spaces that are cozy and warm with objects to look at and touch. These layered interiors are fun to create, too, though we sometimes need to pull client”™s back from the “edge” of hodgepodge.  Most of our clients are in that sweet spot of loving a layered look but not one that is too overly embellished.  

Color is another way to calm a room down or energize it. Clients who prefer spare rooms also gravitate toward a palette of neutrals that makes them most comfortable in their living environment. Clients who prefer layered looks are more often interested in adding color and layers of patterns and textures to their homes. They are often more comfortable with mixing styles and periods of furniture and artwork.   

Most homeowners consider their home décor based on the architectural style of their homes. Some people do decide to go against the grain of the original architecture. However, most people do have a certain respect for the architect”™s original vision for the home. When designing a home”™s interior, I am not only influenced by my client”™s lifestyle but consider the home”™s architectural style. I do not feel you have to adhere to the style completely but considering it and respecting the style is an important influence on me. Rooms should have a design flow even when mixing different periods of furniture.  

Flow can be created with color. I love working with color but often create a calm space within a colorful home by using neutral colors mixed in with livelier colors. This gives your eyes a chance to rest before moving on to the next colors. For example, I may take a neutral entry and pair it with a colorful living room or put vibrant dining room next to a neutral kitchen. Color is having its moment in home décor right now, with the Pantone Color of the Year being Viva Magenta, a deep purple-pink-red. If mixing colors sends you into decorating anxiety, then start with smaller doses of it. Maybe several pillows on your sofa can be in different colors and patterns.  

Add colorful artwork or select a neutral with undertones of color. For example, a gray-green or blue with undertones of plum on a navy chair. Don”™t be afraid to experiment.  

Raise a glass of pink Champagne to keep the new year rolling and that can be your opening to adding color into your life and home. Best wishes for a Happy New Year. 

For more, contact Cami at Cami Weinstein Designs LLC at 914-447-6904 or info@camidesigns.com.